New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates after forward Zion Williamson (1) scores against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Zion Williamson praises Lonzo Ball as 'great player,' wishes he 'got the full respect he deserves'

By Blake Harper | Last updated 3/2/21

After a slow start to the season, Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball has shown marked improvement while helping New Orleans keep its playoff hopes alive. And following Monday night's win against the Utah Jazz, Zion Williamson showed his teammate some love, saying that he believes Lonzo should be getting more respect for what he does on the court.

"Lonzo is a great player, I just wish he got the full respect he deserves," Zion told reporters.

"Lonzo is a great player, I just wish he got the full respect he deserves." - @Zionwilliamson pic.twitter.com/GSe6f7OFfx
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 2, 2021

Lonzo had one of his best games of the season in Monday night's win, scoring 23 points while dishing out eight assists and seven rebounds without turning the ball over.

A month ago, it looked like Lonzo's time in New Orleans could be coming to an end, as he was considered a trade piece for the Pelicans before the upcoming deadline. However, the fourth-year point guard has managed to turn things around, averaging a career-high 14.8 points per game, along with shooting nearly 40% from three and making over 77% of his free throws.

But the Pelicans may need even more from Lonzo if they hope to make the postseason for the first time since 2018, as they are currently 3.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors, the team that holds the eighth seed.

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